OQEANOUS Plus ProgramOversea Quality-assured Education in Asian Nations
for Ocean University Students Plus

STP Report (SHOU Jul - Aug 2024)

2025.03.06

Course of Marine Policy and Management, Graduate School of TUMSAT
1st year of Master's Program
K.M.

The reason I applied for the STP program held in Shanghai is simply because I wanted to go abroad. When I was in high school, I had hoped to study overseas during university. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was not fortunate enough to get the chance before graduating. After completing my undergraduate degree, I became a graduate student. Then one day, a friend of mine told me about this program, and I applied immediately.

At first, my interest in going overseas was general, and I didn't have any specific attachment to China. However, as the airplane approached Shanghai Pudong Airport, and I saw the ships floating on the Yangtze River from above, I suddenly felt lucky to be in China. In Japan, I had never seen a river as vast as the Yangtze, and I was deeply impressed by the grand scenery. It felt so satisfying that I almost thought, "Even if this is all, it was worth coming."

From the day after my arrival, I attended classes at Shanghai Ocean University, where I had the opportunity to study a wide range of topics related to fisheries and marine sciences. All the classes were fascinating, but the most interesting part for me was visiting the Kaitai Fish Farm, a facility associated with Shanghai Ocean University. The farm raises species like carp, sturgeon, and frogs. In China, freshwater fish are commonly consumed as food, making aquaculture an important industry. Kaitai Fish Farm serves as a research facility to study the environments required for these species. There was also an orchard where we got to pick peaches, which was a fun experience. Additionally, we tried fishing for edible crayfish. I was surprised to see that students from China and other countries hesitated to grab live crayfish with their bare hands. When I told them, "In Japan, we kept crayfish as classroom pets in elementary school," they looked surprised, which amused me a little. Even within Asia, attitudes toward living creatures seem to vary significantly between countries. As someone who loves animals, this realization was refreshing and gave me new perspectives.

During this program, I greatly enjoyed conversing with students from various countries who participated alongside me. Despite their diverse native languages and academic fields, their excellence was evident as we worked together on group projects. Among these interactions, what left a particularly strong impression on me was talking with the local Chinese students. I was struck by the significant expectations that Chinese society places on Shanghai Ocean University and its students.

The facilities on campus were well-equipped, and many new buildings were under construction, reflecting ongoing investment in development. Motivational slogans encouraging students to strive for success were displayed throughout the campus, and the students appeared to be studying diligently to meet these expectations.

At the hotel where I stayed, I shared a room with Mr. Huang, a first-year student at Shanghai Ocean University. Every evening, he would explain various things to me, and one day, he introduced me to a new policy in China embodied by the phrase: "From Made in China to Created in China."

He explained that this phrase represents a shift in China's national vision--from being a manufacturing-based economy to becoming a leader in creativity and innovation in new industrial fields. He added that universities play a vital role in this mission. I was deeply impressed to learn that even first-year students have such awareness at the core of their mindset.

Through these experiences, I realized there is much to learn from China about the role of universities and the attitudes of students. This program gave me a fresh perspective on how education can align with and contribute to broader societal goals.

Above all, the cafeteria at Shanghai Ocean University was fantastic, offering delicious and affordable meals. I can't recall the name, but the spicy hot pot with chicken was unforgettable. Thanks to these satisfying meals, I felt energized and stayed lively throughout my stay. What surprised me even more was that there were five such cafeterias on campus. I strongly recommend anyone visiting Shanghai Ocean University in the future to enjoy the campus dining experience.

When it was time to say goodbye, we Japanese members had an early morning departure, yet students from various countries came to see us off. Everyone seemed reluctant to part, and I, too, felt deeply moved and regretful to leave. At the same time, I realized that the bonds we had formed over these few days transcended national boundaries, which made me even more grateful to have participated in this program.

Such an invaluable experience was made possible thanks to the coordinators, the kind local students, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to ensure the program's success. Through this program, I believe my perspective has broadened, and I have grown as a person. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who made it possible.